In two months alone, he said players visited 55 different junior clubs and shopping malls, engaging with more than 100,000 children.

He argued the club was built by the people and was therefore powered by the people.

As well, the club has signed a number of players looking for a second (or fourth) chance at A-League level - players who are desperate to perform, and more importantly, players who come from what has been described as the heartland of the game in Australia.

The Wanderers are aiming in the longer term to become a world-class football club - it could be argued Adelaide United is simply seeking to become and remain financially viable.

This week the club took the positive step of releasing a statement thanking fans for their "attempts to lift the players" in the match against the Wanderers.

Without taking too much away from what should be regarded as an attempt to mend an open wound, the statement went on to urge supporters to behave in the upcoming derby meeting with Melbourne Victory, hoping not to attract negative reports in the media.

The statement reads "We all have a common goal - support the team and support the growth of football in this state."

It is also understood a number of Reds' players will make an appearance at a shopping centre this weekend, in another positive step.

Clubs like Adelaide United have a duty to have a presence in the local community, and to encourage positive messages about football, sport and having a healthy lifestyle.

While United has a number of locally-bred players, the majority of the squad probably don't feel as passionate for the city of Adelaide.

Getting out into the community and meeting some of the die-hard supporters needs to be a regular occurrence.

This will benefit both supporters and players.

Adelaide United needs to dream big, plan well, and learn lessons from the current supporter detachment.